Wow, 7 years.

7 years ago, I remember sitting down by myself in my living room.

I listened as the requirements for #DACA were announced.

Little did I know how my life would change. 1/

To qualify for #DACA my undocumented self needed to find documents that documented my life in the US.

I went to the hospital I had gone to since I was a little girl & asked for my entire medical record. I remember the receptionist’s face when I told her I needed a copy ASAP. 2/

I went to my elementary, middle and high schools, looked through hundreds of photos, documents—everything to prove I have been living in the US since I was 2yrs old.

Fast forward to the day I received my work authorization card. Wow, my first official US gov document. #DACA 3/

The next day, I went to look for a job, and I went the DMV.

I couldn’t contain my happiness as I walked into the DMV.

Finally, I was going to have a State ID.

(I was always jealous that I was the only one of friends who didn’t have one). #DACA 4/

Then, in January 2016 through Advance Parole, I went to Mexico.

After 20yrs, I met my family. Aunts, uncles, cousins, who I had only known through photos. 5/

I visited my grandparents house. The house where I took my first steps when I was a little girl.

I ate my grandma’s food for the first time. 6/

Many emotions took over me during that entire trip. Emotions that even after 3yrs I’m still not ready to talk about. #DACA 7/

#DACA, changed my life. But, thousands of youth were left out, millions more still have no path to citizenship.

And those that qualified for DACA are now living with uncertainty again. 8/

#DACA, opened many doors, but it’s not enough.

La lucha sigue, nuestra resistencia sigue.

We need permanent protection. 11 million need permanent protection.

We are #HereToStay /END